Veterans board changes approved

Changes to the state’s veterans board are headed to the governor’s desk. Both chambers of the legislature passed the measure on essentially party line votes. In the Senate, Stevens Point Democrat Julie Lassa offered an amendment which would retain appointment of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by the Veterans Board. But Republican Joe Liebham of Sheboygan said the bill mirrors what’s been asked for by veterans groups. Currently, the board, appointed by the governor, appoints the secretary. The bill also changes the board composition, increasing members from seven to nine and requiring members from each of the eight congressional districts and an at-large member.